Perth scores five international rugby union matches

19/8/00
Perth will host five international rugby union matches between 2001 and 2005.
The agreement, struck between EventsCorp and Australian Rugby Union, includes three Tri-Nations matches between Australia's Wallabies and the South African Springboks.
Police Minister Kevin Prince, announcing the news today on behalf of Cabinet colleague Tourism Minister Norman Moore, said it was fantastic news for Perth.
"It's no secret that I am an avid rugby fan, as are many Western Australians, and the outstandingly successful match played here between the two teams in 1998 remains clear in our memories," Mr Prince said.
"A sell-out crowd filled Subiaco Oval for that event, including 1,100 fans from South Africa and interstate who travelled to Perth for the game.
"As a result, the WA economy also reaped a boost of $8.4 million.
"A conservative estimate of the total economic impact this new program of matches would have on WA would be at least
$25 million."
The following matches will be played in Perth, subject to contractual agreements:
2001 - Australia vs South Africa
2002 - Australia vs Canada
2003 - Australia vs South Africa
2004 - Australia vs Italy or Scotland
2005 - Australia vs South Africa.
ARU managing director John O'Neill said the decision reflected the success of the Wallabies' matches in Perth in recent years and the exciting growth of the game in Western Australia.
"Perth boasts a first-class venue in Subiaco Oval, which is our preferred choice for the five matches, and the appropriate infrastructure to host major rugby internationals," he said.
"Australian Rugby is very conscious of the pro-active role played by the Western Australian Government, through EventsCorp, in securing these big games for Perth."
The contract is likely to incorporate a benefits package, including confirmed television coverage of each match, access to corporate sponsors for potential incentive travel arrangements and arena signage for Perth.
Mr Prince said South Africa was one of WA's fastest-growing export markets and an emerging tourist market for the Western Australian Tourism Commission.
He said the television coverage of the event, which reached 20 countries in 1998, would further promote Perth and WA as an exciting tourist destination.
"I know Western Australians will look forward to the first match next year with keen interest," Mr Prince said.
Media contacts: Caroline Lacy 9220 5000
Janine Carter, EventsCorp, 9270 3311